enflame: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “enflame” mean?
To cause something to catch fire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause something to catch fire; to ignite.
To arouse intense passion, anger, or conflict; to exacerbate a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Enflame" is an accepted but much rarer variant in both dialects. "Inflame" is the standard form worldwide. The use of "enflame" might be perceived as more consciously literary or archaic, with no strong regional preference.
Connotations
Connotes a more dramatic, sudden, or intense kindling of fire or emotion. Often used in metaphorical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. In contemporary usage, "inflame" is vastly preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “enflame” in a Sentence
[Subject] enflames [Object] (e.g., His speech enflamed the mob.)[Subject] is enflamed with/by [Emotion/Cause] (e.g., She was enflamed with righteous indignation.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enflame” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The journalist's report threatened to enflame an already volatile situation.
- Such rhetoric could enflame community tensions.
American English
- The general's speech was calculated to enflame patriotic fervor.
- His actions only served to enflame the opposition.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [Not a standard adjective form. 'Inflamed' is used.]
American English
- [Not a standard adjective form. 'Inflamed' is used.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports about conflict: 'The leaked memo enflamed tensions between departments.'
Academic
Used in historical or literary analysis: 'The pamphlet was designed to enflame public opinion against the monarchy.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; 'ignite' or 'combust' are standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enflame”
- Misspelling as 'inflame' (which is actually correct and preferred).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'anger' or 'upset' would be more natural.
- Confusing 'enflamed' (aroused) with 'flaming' (burning or brightly colored).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'enflame' is a variant spelling of 'inflame'. They are synonymous, but 'inflame' is the far more common and standard form in modern English.
You should generally use 'inflame'. 'Enflame' is rarely used and carries a literary, archaic, or consciously stylistic tone. For clear communication, 'inflame' is recommended.
Rarely. While it can theoretically mean to 'arouse' (as in passion or desire), its overwhelming connotation is negative, relating to anger, conflict, or exacerbation. Words like 'inspire' or 'ignite' are better for positive contexts.
The most common mistake is using it in everyday speech where simpler words like 'anger', 'upset', or 'provoke' would be more natural and understood. It is a high-register word.
To cause something to catch fire.
Enflame is usually formal, literary in register.
Enflame: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈfleɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈfleɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Add fuel to the fire”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENter a FLAME. To enter a state of burning or intense feeling.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/ CONFLICT IS FIRE (e.g., "His words enflamed the debate.")
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'enflame' in the context 'to enflame passions'?